$Unique_ID{BRK00263}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{Should Your Child Wear a Bicycle Helmet?}
$Subject{bike helmet safety}
$Volume{O-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Should Your Child Wear a Bicycle Helmet?


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QUESTION:  It doesn't matter how often I tell him, my kid won't wear a helmet
when he rides his bike.  Should I make an issue of it?

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ANSWER:  It might be wise to bring the matter up again in a non-nagging way.
Wearing a bicycle helmet is important and your child should know this.  About
30,000 people are hurt while riding bikes each year and 650 die, mostly due to
head injuries.  Almost all head injuries that occur in bike accidents under 35
miles an hour (and only very fit cyclists exceed that) can be prevented by
wearing a helmet.
     Have you asked your son why he doesn't wear his helmet?  Some older
models are heavy, hot, and uncomfortable.  Newer bicycle helmets are lighter
and allow cool air to flow through.  Although a new helmet would cost $30 to
$40 dollars, the money is well spent if it gets worn.  If your son says he
won't wear his helmet because his friends will think he's a wimp, try showing
him pictures of pro bike riders, all of whom always wear helmets.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
